Jed Vincent Mercurio is an artist from Iloilo City who’s vibrant, animation-inspired style blends perspective-driven compositions with lively, imaginative color work. Working in acrylic and mixed media on wood, he combines dynamic perspectives with playful yet deliberate color choices to create works that are both nostalgic and fresh. His paintings often spark curiosity, encouraging viewers to step into scenes that feel familiar yet reimagined.
My artistic journey began with a lot of experimentation, first by imitating my brother’s techniques, then searching for a style that genuinely felt like my own. Everything shifted after someone suggested I revisit my childhood for inspiration. That’s when memories of early 2000s Cartoon Network shows came flooding back: their bold shapes, dramatic perspectives, and vibrant colors shaped entire worlds bursting with personality.
I set out to channel that same energy and playfulness into my paintings, blending nostalgia with a sense of freshness. Working with acrylics and mixed media on wood allows me to create lively, textured scenes that are visually engaging yet rich in detail. Ultimately, I aim to evoke the feeling of being a child captivated by your favorite cartoon—where everything seems brighter, bigger, and full of wonder—and to share that joy and imagination with those who encounter my art.
“Cities” is an artwork that grew out of a period when I was traveling constantly for my job, moving from city to city. Instead of feeling worn out by the constant motion, I found myself inspired—each skyline, street, and building carried its own character.
I started sketching what I saw, not to capture them realistically, but to reimagine them as stylized cityscapes with chunky forms, vivid bursts of color, and dynamic angles. Each small square in the piece became its own little city, but together they feel like one big, ever-changing journey. The acrylic and mixed media on wood allowed me to keep the colors vibrant and crisp, while the arrangement mirrors the way different places and moments can come together in memory.
Most nights, when the world outside has gone still, I settle into my little workspace and take my time flipping through old sketches, playing with colors, and letting the ideas drift in naturally. I don’t rush; I just follow where the painting wants to go. While painting, I often watch anime films, series, and different kinds of movies, from childhood favorites to new discoveries. These stories and visuals give me fresh ideas, shaping the way I use color, perspective, and mood in my art.
